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Acting PM Kologeto meets Aus DPM Marles

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BY ALICE CAMPBELL

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation, Frederick Kologeto, met with the visiting Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, in Honiara yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office.

A statement from the Government Communication Unit (GCU) said the two leaders discussed areas of mutual interest, including telecommunication, aviation infrastructure, renewable energy and others,

At the meeting, Mr Kologeto praised the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries, highlighting Solomon Islands’ appreciation of Australia’s ongoing support in many areas.

Australia’s Deputy PM reaffirms Australia’s commitment to support Solomon Islands, saying Australia is pleased and stands ready to assist.

Photo: GCU

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Japanese Embassy hands over ambulance to Fouabu RHC 

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BY RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi yesterday handed over an ambulance vehicle to the Fouabu Rural Health Clinic in West Kwaraae, Malaita Province. 

The handover marks a milestone achievement for the people of Fouabu and will help solve their long-standing need of almost 10 years. 

During the handover ceremony at Kiluufi Hospital yesterday, Mr Keiichi said he was very happy that the ceremony was graced and witnessed by many people.

He said the project was funded by Japan’s Grassroots and Human Security project, which cost thirty-one thousand three hundred and forty-six US dollars, approximately around SDB$250,000.

“I am honoured to attend today’s ceremony for handing over the ambulance for Fouabu Rural Health Clinic. I understand that this project was signed on October 18, 2024, between the Embassy of Japan and the Fouabu Rural Health Clinic while my Ambassador Miva was serving as Ambassador.

“One of the priorities of the grassroots and human security scheme is to help meet human needs. We recognise that health is the foundation of human security. Without access to medical care, a community cannot thrive,” he said. 

He also thanked the people who spent their efforts to complete the project.

“I would like to salute and commend the effort each one of these dedicated people made, who paved the way from the start to the completion of this project,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Fouabu Chief, David Uma, acknowledges the government of Japan for seeing their needs and supporting them.

He said this is a huge achievement for them, as their needs will now be solved.

The Japanese team also visited the construction site of the new hospital building yesterday.

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SAFER-SI workshop underway in Auki 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A Strengthening Rural Agricultural Food Security and Economic Resilience – Solomon Islands (SAFER-SI) workshop is underway at the Women’s Centre in Auki, Malaita Province.

The mission of the workshop is to carry out inceptions and conduct community consultations to gather data and information for the development of project proposals.

According to Frank Samo Sari, one of the participants representing the youth, he said the workshop prepares them to develop their annual budget for their fiscal year.

He said that before the provincial accounts committee conducts scrutiny, they have to prepare their budget plans and annual work plans.

“This is a normal process that the government usually follows. Before the provincial accounts committee conducts the scrutiny and presents it to the public for questioning and answering, we must develop and submit our budget plans and annual work plans.

“After that, once it is passed and the provincial accounts committee is satisfied, the budget will move to executive scrutiny for a final review, be forwarded for approval, and gazetted by the ministry,” he said.

However, he said it could best once each Head of the departments take it very seriously.

About fifteen participants representing the government, non-government organizations, community-based officers, and agriculture officers attended the workshop.

The objectives include:

-Presenting the project’s goals, components, scope, and implementation plans.

-Ensuring that stakeholders complement existing provincial development strategies and policies.

-Defining the roles of departments.

-Setting up structures for collaboration, information sharing, and progress monitoring.

-Gather inputs on contextual factors that could affect implementation and plan for mitigation. 

-Secure political and administrative support from provincial leaders for a successful project rollout.

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Recruitment on for by-elections in West Baegu and Koviloko wards

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has launched a recruitment drive for 50 temporary election officials to support the upcoming by-elections in West Baegu and Koviloko Wards.

Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Highwood Anisi said while the recruitment for senior election officials has concluded, the opportunities for temporary polling and counting officials remain open, a statement from SIEC yesterday said.

The deadline for application is March 4.

With two weeks remaining until the closing date, the SIEC is encouraging interested individuals residing within the West Baegu and Koviloko Wards to seize this opportunity.

Prospective applicants can find comprehensive recruitment information, including detailed application forms and specific requirements on the SIEC official’s website and its Facebook page.

In line with its commitment to inclusive elections the SIEC strongly encourages women and youth to apply.

This diverse representation aims to promote equal opportunity and ensure that the electoral processes are delivered by a broad cross-section of the community, SIEC said.

SIEC highlights the importance of a well-supported team to ensure a smooth and fair conduct of the upcoming by-election, the statement said.

Photo: SIEC

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Nominations open for candidates of West Baegu and Koviloko by-elections

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BY JUNELYN KELLY

The Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has officially announced the opening of nomination for candidates contesting the upcoming by-elections in the West Baegu and Koviloko wards.

The SIEC statement said the nomination commenced on Wednesday, February 18 and will be concluded at 4pm on March 4.

This 14-day nomination window follows the publication of the Election Date Gazette notice, which confirms the date for both by-elections on April 15, 2026.

Jasper Highwood Anisi, Chief Electoral Officer, emphasised the strict criteria individuals must meet to contest these by-elections.

Prospective candidates must:

-Be at least 21 years of age

-Be a register voter in the province where they are contesting.

-Be nominating by three registered voters from their respective ward.

-Pay a non-refundable nomination fee of $2,500

Anisi said that prospective candidates are encouraged to visit designated nomination centres in person to submit their nominations before 4pm on March 4.

The specific nomination centres have been confirmed:

  • for West Baegu nomination will be at Malaita Provincial Chamber Conference room 2 in Auki Malaita Province.
  • For Koviloko Ward nominations will be accepted at the DFL Centre Building in Buala Isabel Province.

Candidates are reminded of the crucial requirements to bring their nominators who must be registered voters in the ward being contested to the nomination Centre to successfully completed process, Anisi said.

Following the close of nomination a ballot paper draw will be conducted to determine the candidates’ positions on the ballot.

He said any candidate wishing to withdraw their nomination must notify the returning Officer for their respective ward ln writing within 48 hours from the close of nominations.

Photo: SIEC

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TSI defends call for accountability on electoral process

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is defending its position on electoral integrity regarding remarks made by the Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Anisi in regards to corruption within the country’s electoral process.

TSI, acknowledging the role of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) in administering elections under the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2018, appreciates Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Anisi for publicly responding to issues raised during the recent Corruption Perceptions Index launch.

However, TSI argues that describing the electoral process as “not corrupt” solely because it complies with legal procedures fails to address wider public concerns.

In its statement, TSI said elections involve more than the mechanics of casting and counting ballots.

SIEC’s responsibilities, as noted, include voter registration, candidate nominations, public awareness campaigns, and maintaining impartiality throughout the four-year electoral cycle.

TSI said that voter education should go beyond explaining how to vote, but also promote civic responsibility and highlight the long-term impact of monetised politics on leadership and governance.

While acknowledging Solomon Islands’ positive performance in the Electoral Integrity Global Report 2024, TSI said that international recognition does not remove the need for continued scrutiny and reform.

TSI reaffirms its call for adequate resourcing of SIEC and other accountability institutions.

Also stated in the statement is that TSI says transparency should not be viewed as an accusation, but a safeguard necessary to maintain legitimacy and strengthen democratic institutions.

TSI said national reflection rather than narrow legal interpretations is essential to improve electoral integrity and ensure that political leadership reflects the will of the people.

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TSI calls for broader electoral integrity reforms

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Following the launch of its 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) on February 11, Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is calling for stronger reforms to safeguard the truthfulness of electoral processes.

Speaking during the launch, TSI Chairman Rodney Kingmele outlined concerns about the broader political influence surrounding elections.

His statements prompted comments from Jasper Anisi, Chief Electoral Officer of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC), which were reported by Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC).

TSI, in a statement, acknowledged SIEC’s constitutional mandate under the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2018 to administer elections lawfully and professionally.

However, the organisation said that electoral integrity extends beyond polling day procedures.

The CPI 2025 theme, “The Integrity of Electoral Processes and Their Importance to the Integrity of Political Leadership,” highlights public concerns, including alleged vote-buying, the use of constituency development funds during election cycles, limited transparency in campaign financing, and unequal competition influenced by access to financial resources.

TSI said that while SIEC is responsible for conducting elections in compliance with the law, broader governance weaknesses fall outside administrative functions alone.

The TSI said, citing findings from international assessments, including the World Bank’s Country Policy and Institutional Assessment and the Global Corruption Barometer Pacific 2021, indicate that concerns about money influencing political outcomes are common.

According to TSI, procedural compliance does not automatically guarantee public confidence.

TSI argued that when citizens perceive that financial influence determines electoral success, trust in democratic institutions can be weakened.

Strengthening democracy requires both effective electoral management and a political culture grounded in transparency, accountability, and public trust, TSI said.

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Temotu PG request audit report on youth hub fund & shipping grant

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Temotu Provincial government is requesting an audit report on Youth Hub fund & shipping grant from the Auditor General’s Office.

Premier of Temotu, Stanley Tehiahua said that this comes following a visit to the province last year by two officers from the Auditor General’s Office who presented his government with bank statements regarding the matter.

“The provincial government has requested an audit from the Auditor General’s Office. Two officers visited Temotu last year and presented us with bank statements. However, the audit report has not yet been released,” Premier Tehiahua said.

He said that the two major matters under review for his government are the diversion of the $3 million Youth Hub fund project and the lack of proper reporting and retirement documentation regarding the shipping grant funds.

He said that the initial plan was to operate the new vessel, LC Temotu and use revenue generated to reimburse the Youth Hub fund following its diversion for the vessel for the province.

He adds that the administration is now considering co-funding arrangements, potentially through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) and contributions from LC Temotu operations, before the Youth Hub project can proceed.

He said that the current leadership has accepted responsibility for addressing the issues.

He said that his government is working to put things in order and resolve the financial obligations surrounding LC Temotu while seeking a sustainable pathway to revive the Youth and Children Resource Centre project.

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Sealing confirmed for Kilu’ufi to Fosim Market Road

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has confirmed that sealing works for the road stretch from Kilu’ufi to Fosim Market will commence soon, with funding now being secured.

Minister for Infrastructure Development, Ricky Fuo’o made the announcement during a recent press conference, following confirmation that the Ministry of Finance and Treasury has sourced funding for the project.

He explained that the initial plan was to seal the road from Gwaunaru to Kwaisuliniu. However, with the additional funding secured, the project scope has been extended to cover the full stretch from Kilu’ufi to Fosim Market, incorporating the section identified in the original proposal.

Minister Fuo’o said he received permission from the Minister of Finance to publicly announce the significant development, particularly for the people of Malaita Province.

“The sealing work will start from Kilu’ufi, where the PRC-funded Auki Road sealing project concluded, and continue all the way to Fosim Market, not only from Gwaunaru to Kwaisuliniu as initially planned,” he said.

The minister also confirmed that the development of Fiu Bridge will be included under the project.

The new Fiu Bridge will be constructed as a two-lane bridge, and the project will also include two additional bridges along the same stretch of road.

He described the initiative as a major infrastructure boost for Malaita Province, complementing ongoing infrastructure improvements under the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project.

The proposed road development will also complement the current PRC-funded Auki Road project, enhancing road durability and improving safety for public use.

Photo: MID

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We hear you: Minister Fuo’o

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Minister for Infrastructure Development (MID) Ricky Fuo’o says the ministry acknowledges and understands public concerns and frustrations over the condition of roads in Honiara.

However, he highlighted the limitations faced by the ministry despite its strong commitment to improving road conditions to meet public expectations.

Speaking at a recent press conference organized by MID in Honiara, Minister Fuo’o assured the public that the ministry, together with its development partners, is working diligently to address the issues.

“One thing I want to stress to the media and the good people of Solomon Islands is that we hear you. We understand your frustrations, and we share them.

“We have limited resources, but I want to assure everyone that we are doing the best we can. We are not sleeping on these issues. We are continuously working. I have a very hardworking team behind me supporting these efforts,” he said.

The minister said MID and its donor partners are working tirelessly to deliver improved roads and other essential infrastructure to the people.

At the same time, he emphasized that protecting infrastructure requires collective responsibility.

“I call on all Solomon Islanders to respect our infrastructure. For example, do not throw rubbish into drains even near your homes.

“When flooding occurs, rubbish is washed into the drainage system, causing blockages and damage that lead to further problems,” Fuo’o said.

He added that the country’s financial constraints make it difficult to carry out frequent repairs and emergency road maintenance.

Minister Fuo’o reiterates his appeal to the public to support MID and its partners to address road issues in Honiara by taking responsibility for public infrastructure.

He also expressed sincere gratitude to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Planning for their continued support of MID’s work plans, and acknowledges all development partners for their commitment to deliver critical infrastructure for the people of Solomon Islands.

Photo: MID

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